In the holiday season there is the Christmas Rush; the time of year when everyone stresses over what to buy, where to get the presents, and who is still on the list to shop for. Some people start their Christmas shopping as soon as the holiday season is over, to get a head start, and to get the deals on the more expensive gizmos and gadgets.

In the midst of all of this, we need to consider what the holiday season is all about. It’s truly about being thankful for others and for Christ.

We all know the story of Thanksgiving and how the pilgrims had a feast of thanks with the local Indians because it was the first set territory that they shared in the “new land”. You would especially know this true tale if you were a historian or if you paid any attention to your elementary school teacher while she was telling you this tale. Now the pilgrims’ hats and the turkeys and the feathers have become decorations and fun crafts to make, in celebration of Thanksgiving.

Speaking of Thanksgiving; how was your Thanksgiving break or meal? Mine was pretty good. My family has two big feasts; one with my dad’s side of the family on Thanksgiving Day; and another the day after with my mom’s side of the family. If there was one thing I couldn’t live without it would be my family and friends. And my grandma’s cooking just makes it a day to remember all year long. She makes incredible mashed potatoes and her turkey is very delicious. Now I sound like a food critic.

Onto Christmas…The official beginning of this particular part of the holiday season begins on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. What words of terror. This year Black Friday people began waiting at 4am at the local Wal-Mart. When the doors open they will chase the best deals on the new plasma screen TV “they’ve needed for so long!” Those kind of people, the ones who would wait in line and lose that much sleep over a couple of Christmas presents, are seriously some “out-there” holiday shoppers. I personally would not enjoy getting up that early just to go shopping, but it is fun to learn about what others went through and their experiences on Black Friday, and the days after it.

I love how families and friends gather during dinner, at parties, and just when the season comes around, to enjoy each other’s company and to celebrate another year of loving family and being friends. This season as you celebrate, try to remember the fact that it’s not about the gifts given back and forth. It is about Christ, God’s gift. Merry Christmas.